in Lancaster Pennsylvania, teach workshops all day Saturday and bringing the message on Sunday.
As the voices soared in a sanctuary with magnificent acoustics, I could not stop the trail of tears down my cheeks. Angels cannot possibly sound much more glorious. I wll treasure the memory of that moment the rest of my life.
Harry and Beth Jarrett (husband and wife and Lead Pastor/Associate Pastor) explained to me that from a young age, children in their denomination begin learning this kind of four-part harmony. It's a part of the Mennonite culture, their DNA. So in the midst of Chris Tomlin songs and other more contemporary choruses, the congregation will launch into one of their harmonic hymns. I imagine that for people who grow up in that tradition, those moments feel like home, like a long-cherished family soup recipe or a Christmas Eve ritual around the tree.
I wonder how many of you have had the privilege of hearing a moment like I'm describing. If not, I would urge you to visit a Mennonite church someday, and if they don't sing in their traditional harmonic style, make a special request! I'm counting on hearing more of this stunningly beautiful music in heaven, where I'm certain there will be a huge Mennonite choir....